Battery rack anti-theft system

Abstract

A locking system (100) for a battery device is provided. The battery arrangement comprises at least one battery module (102) arranged in a battery stack (104). The cell stack has a first end (A), a second end (B), a front side (C), and a second side (D). The locking system includes a lockable cartridge (112) configured to be attached at a first end of the cell stack. The lockable cartridge includes an outlet cable guide (114) and an inlet cable guide (116). The locking system further includes a cable track (120) including an outlet cable guide, an inlet cable guide, and at least one module cable guide (120) configured to be attached to the at least one battery module at the second side of the cell stack. The U-shaped module cable guide (122c) is configured to be attached to the battery module (102c) at the second end of the cell stack. The cable track starts and terminates in the lockable box. The locking system further includes a cable (330) configured to be inserted into the lockable cartridge and through the cable track such that the first and second ends of the cable are located inside the lockable cartridge. The locking system further includes a cable lock (332) configured to lock the first end and the second end of the cable together inside the lockable box.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of battery installation. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an anti-theft system for a battery device. Background Art

[0002] Battery modules are used in many applications worldwide and are commonly used as backup power sources for critical equipment. In many applications, the battery modules can be installed in remote areas without continuous monitoring. The battery modules typically contain rare or expensive metals. The expensive components and their power storage capabilities make the battery modules valuable and vulnerable to theft.

[0003] The battery modules are typically arranged as a rack (or stack) and placed in a thick-walled security cabinet. However, the security cabinet has weak points such as hinges, doors, etc., which make it possible to break into the cabinet and access the modules. To improve security, existing solutions are to, for example, weld, bolt, or lock the modules to the rack or to each other, or to fasten additional protective plates to the rack. However, a common problem with existing technology solutions is that, for example, when repairing or replacing a battery module, the existing technology solutions also increase the difficulty for authorized personnel to access the battery module. Performing welding operations near the battery module may also pose a safety risk. Therefore, there is a need for an improved security solution for battery installation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to overcome at least some of the above disadvantages and to provide an improved anti-theft solution for a battery rack. This object and other objects are achieved by a locking system as defined in the appended independent claims. The dependent claims provide further embodiments.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a locking system for a battery device is provided. The battery device includes at least one battery module disposed in a battery stack. The battery stack has a first end, a second end, a front side, and a second side. The locking system includes a lockable box configured to be attached at the first end of the battery stack. The lockable box includes an outlet cable guide and an inlet cable guide. The locking system further includes a cable track. The cable track includes an outlet cable guide, an inlet cable guide, and at least one module cable guide configured to attach each of the at least one battery module at the second side of the battery stack. A U-shaped module cable guide is configured to be attached to the battery module at the second end of the battery stack. The cable track starts and ends in the lockable box. The locking system further includes a cable. The cable is configured to be inserted into the lockable box and pass through the cable guides / tracks such that a first end and a second end of the cable are located inside the lockable box. The locking system further includes a cable lock configured to lock the first end and the second end of the cable together inside the lockable box.

[0006] The objective of the safety and locking system can be to increase the difficulty of unauthorized removal of the protected item and to extend the time required for such removal.

[0007] The lockable box is configured to be attached at the first end of the battery stack. Thus, the lockable box includes features configured to attach the lockable box to the first end of the battery stack. For example, the lockable box may include a hole / aperture in one side of the lockable box that allows the lockable box to be fixed to the first end of the battery stack by nailing, screwing, pinning, or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the lockable box may include features such as connectors, fasteners, brackets, clasps, or similar features configured to attach the lockable box to the first end of the battery stack.

[0008] When in the closed (locked) state, the lockable cassette prevents access to the cables and cable locks. Thus, like this locking system, the battery modules are attached together by cables inserted into the cable tracks, preventing access to the cables, and the cable locks also prevent access to (theft of) individual battery modules. In other words, the locking system can lock the (multiple) battery modules to the lockable cassette via the cables, which may make it more difficult to remove individual modules. Further, the battery modules are typically heavy, meaning it may be very difficult to move more than one module at a time. Meanwhile, with this locking system, the person holding the keys to the lockable cassette and cable lock can easily remove the cables to separate the modules from each other. The cable guide can guide the cable (or a wire rope, string, thread, or strand made of a flexible but durable material) through the entire cable track for easy installation. The cable guide can also cover at least a portion of the cable to make it more difficult for unauthorized personnel to access and interfere with the cable. For example, the cable guide can be in the form of a conduit through which the cable can be guided / pushed.

[0009] The term "cable guide" can refer to an outlet cable guide, an inlet cable guide, and any type of module cable guide.

[0010] At least one module cable guide is configured to be attached at each of at least one battery module at the second side of the battery stack. In other words, at least one module cable guide is configured to be attached to the second side of the battery module. Thus, the module cable guide includes features configured to attach the module cable guide to the second side of the battery module. For example, the module cable guide can include holes / apertures that allow the module cable guide to be fixed to the second side of the battery module by nailing, screwing, pinning, or similar means. Alternatively or additionally, the module cable guide can include features configured to attach the module cable guide to the second side of the battery stack, such as connectors, fasteners, brackets, clasps, or similar features. Similarly, the U-shaped module cable guide includes features configured to attach the U-shaped module cable guide to the second side of the battery module at the second end of the battery stack.

[0011] The cable track can be formed by continuous cable guides, such as an outlet cable guide, an inlet cable guide, and any type of modular cable guide. The size of the modular cable guide can be determined such that when installed / attached to the battery modules of the battery stack, the cable guide is arranged to guide the cable through the cable track. Specifically, the cable guide can be arranged to guide the cable through the cable track without additional aiming of the cable. In other words, when installed on the battery stack, the cable guide can be arranged such that each cable guide guides the cable into the next subsequent cable guide. Specifically, the cable guides can be arranged to each guide the cable into the next subsequent cable guide without additional aiming of the cable. The relative sizes of the cable and the cable guide and the distance between consecutive cable guides can be selected to reduce or eliminate the need for additional manual alignment of the cable when leading it out of a previous cable guide and into a subsequent cable guide.

[0012] In other words, the cable track provides a path (or guide) for the cable such that the cable can be inserted at the inlet cable guide of the cable track and then pushed through the different modular cable guides of the cable track until the cable returns to the outlet cable guide of the cable track. Thus, the operator locking the battery stack will only have to operate at the first end (or top) of the battery stack, in the lockable box where the outlet cable guide and the inlet cable guide are located, without any manipulation being required at the second side of the battery stack.

[0013] The cable is configured to be inserted into the lockable box and pass through the cable track such that the first end and the second end of the cable are located inside the lockable box. Thus, the cable has a length longer than the length of the cable track such that the first end and the second end of the cable can be located inside the lockable box. Further, the cable has rigidity, thereby allowing the cable to be pushed through the lockable box and through the cable track such that the first end and the second end of the cable can be located inside the lockable box. Further, the cable has flexibility, thereby allowing the cable to follow the cable track such that the first end and the second end of the cable can be located inside the lockable box (and in particular such that the cable can bend in the U-shaped modular cable guide).

[0014] The cable lock is configured to lock the first end and the second end of the cable together inside the lockable box. Thus, the relative sizes of the lockable box and the cable lock allow the cable lock to be located inside the lockable box while locking the first end and the second end of the cable together. Further, the relative sizes of the cable lock and the cable allow the cable lock to lock the first end and the second end of the cable together.

[0015] One side of the battery module corresponding to the second side of the battery stack can be referred to as the second side of the battery module. When the battery module is arranged in the battery stack, the second side of the battery module can coincide with the second side of the battery stack.

[0016] The second side of the battery stack is different from the front side. Instead, the second side can be the lateral side or the back side of the stack. Thus, compared to the locking system arranged at the front of the stack, the cables may be more difficult to access and thus more difficult to intervene with. However, the lockable box can be arranged such that the cables can be inserted from the front of the stack to facilitate installation by authorized personnel.

[0017] The U-shaped module cable guide is one of at least one module cable guide and forms part of the cable track. The U-shaped module cable guide can be configured to be attached to the battery module that is arranged farthest from the lockable box located at the first end of the battery stack.

[0018] When installed in the battery device, the U-shaped cable guide can receive the cable in a first direction at the first end of the U-shaped cable guide. The curvature of the U-shaped cable guide can change the direction of the cable and present the cable to a subsequent cable guide at the second end of the U-shaped cable guide in a different second direction. The second direction can be opposite to the first direction. The U-shaped cable guide can also be referred to as a U-turn cable guide.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the battery stack can include a battery module at the second end of the battery stack and at least one intermediate battery module arranged between the lockable box and the battery module at the second end. For each intermediate battery module, the cable track can include a first module cable guide and a second module cable guide, both of which are configured to be attached to the second side of the intermediate battery module (at the second side of the battery stack).

[0020] The first module cable guide and the second module cable guide can be configured to be attached to the second side of the intermediate battery module. Thus, the first module cable guide and the second module cable guide can include features configured to attach the first module cable guide and the second module cable guide to the second side of the battery module. For example, the first module cable guide and the second module cable guide can include holes / ports that allow the first module cable guide and the second module cable guide to be fixed to the second side of the battery module by nailing, screwing, pinning, or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the first module cable guide and the second module cable guide can include features configured to attach the first module cable guide and the second module cable guide to the second side of the intermediate battery module, such as connectors, fasteners, brackets, clasps, or similar features.

[0021] The term "module cable guide" can refer to any cable guide configured to be mounted to the second side of a battery module. For example, the module cable guide can be a first module cable guide, a second module cable guide, or a U-shaped cable guide.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the cable track can further include at least one connector configured to connect two adjacent cable guides to form a continuous cable track.

[0023] In other words, when the locking system is installed or attached to the battery stack, the connector can be arranged to connect two adjacent cable guides to form a continuous cable track between the two adjacent cable guides.

[0024] The connector can connect the module cable guides of two adjacent battery modules. For example, the connector can connect the module cable guide of an intermediate battery module to the U-turn cable guide of a battery module at the second end of the stack. The connector can also connect an outlet cable guide or an inlet cable guide to the module cable guide of a battery module near the lockable box.

[0025] The connector can form part of a cable guide, such as a module cable guide. Alternatively, the connector can be a separate element. The connector can engage with one or two cable guides.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the second side of the battery stack can be the back side of the battery stack.

[0027] Thus, the second side of the battery module can be the back side of the battery module.

[0028] The battery stack is typically arranged inside a cabinet or with its back side facing a wall. Arranging the cable guides of the locking system on the back side of the battery stack can further increase the difficulty for unauthorized personnel to access and interfere with the cables.

[0029] According to some embodiments, each of the at least one module cable guides can form part of a plate configured to be attached to the second side of the battery module at the second side of the battery stack.

[0030] The first module cable guide and the second module cable guide can be part of the same plate. Alternatively, the first module cable guide and the second module cable guide can be part of different plates.

[0031] The plate can be configured to be attached to the battery module at the second side of the battery stack, i.e., attached to the second side of the battery module. Thus, the plate can include features configured to attach the plate to the second side of the battery module. For example, the plate can include holes / apertures that allow the plate to be fixed to the second side of the battery module by nailing, screwing, pinning, or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the plate can include features configured to attach the first module cable guide and the second module cable guide to the second side of the intermediate battery module, such as connectors, fasteners, brackets, clasps, or similar features.

[0032] The plate can be easily fastened to the second side of the battery module using, for example, screws. The plate can be fastened to the battery module before arranging the battery module in the stack. The plate can at least partially cover the cables to further limit access to the cables from the outside.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the plate can be a backplate that includes an extension configured to extend behind adjacent battery modules.

[0034] The backplate can be configured to be attached / fastened to the back of the battery module.

[0035] The extension can be configured to extend behind adjacent battery modules. Thus, the length of the extension in the extension direction can be longer than the distance between two adjacent battery modules in the stack.

[0036] When adjacent battery modules have been installed, the extension can prevent the removal of the battery module to which the backplate is attached, thereby further preventing unauthorized removal of the battery module.

[0037] For example, if the extension extends in the upward direction, the extension can prevent the removal of the battery module when another battery module has been installed directly above. In such a battery device, the battery modules can be installed from bottom to top and removed from top to bottom.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the locking system can further include at least one fastening plate. The fastening plate can be configured to engage with the plate and be fastened to a fixed object beside the battery stack.

[0039] For example, the fastening plate can have an opening or aperture configured to (e.g., having an adapted size to) receive a protrusion or extension of the plate. Alternatively, the fastening plate can have a protrusion or extension configured to (e.g., having an adapted size to) be inserted into an opening or aperture of the plate.

[0040] The fastening plate can engage with the plate (e.g., the backplate) to fasten the battery module to the fixed object. The fixed object can be, for example, the side wall or the back wall of a safety cabinet or an electronic cabinet, which can be a battery rack or a battery cabinet or another object.

[0041] According to some embodiments, at least one side of the lockable box may include a hardened steel plate.

[0042] The hardened steel plate may, for example, act as a lid for the lockable box. The hardened steel plate may further prevent unauthorized access to the lockable box.

[0043] According to some embodiments, the lockable box may further include an opening in a wall of the lockable box, the opening being configured to accommodate insertion of a cable into a cable track and locking together a first end and a second end of the cable. The lockable box may further include a removable locking unit configured to close the opening and seal the opening in a locked state.

[0044] The opening may have a size (or dimension) that allows a user to insert the cable into the cable track and lock the first end and the second end of the cable. The removable locking unit may have a size that matches the size of the opening such that the removable locking unit may close or block the opening and seal the opening in a locked state.

[0045] Thus, in the locked state, the removable locking unit may prevent access to the interior of the lockable box, thereby preventing access to the cable and the cable lock. The opening and the removable locking unit may eliminate the need for hinges and minimize weak areas of the lockable box to further prevent unauthorized access.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the lockable box may be configured to be disposed on top of a battery stack.

[0047] In other words, a first end of the battery stack may be the top of the battery stack. A second end of the battery stack may be the bottom of the battery stack. A battery device or stack typically includes a plurality of battery modules stacked on top of each other.

[0048] According to some embodiments, a maximum distance between adjacent cable guides may be less than one half of the cable width.

[0049] If the gap between adjacent cable guides is small enough relative to the width / diameter of the cable, the cable may easily continue into the next cable guide.

[0050] According to a second aspect, there is provided a battery device. The battery device includes at least one battery module arranged in a stack having a first end and a second end, a front side, and a second side. The battery device further includes a locking system as described above with reference to the first aspect.

[0051] At least one module cable guide of the locking system may be attached to a second side of the at least one battery module.

[0052] According to some embodiments, at least one battery module may be arranged in a rack.

[0053] According to some embodiments, the battery device may further include a safety cabinet in which a battery stack and a locking system are arranged.

[0054] The safety cabinet may include, for example, thick or hardened steel plates, which may increase the difficulty of cutting into the cabinet. Different combinations of materials arranged in a multi-layer or sandwich design (such as epoxy resin filled with sand between two metal sheets) may further prevent drilling.

[0055] It should be noted that other embodiments using all possible combinations of the features described in the above-described embodiments can be envisioned. Thus, the present disclosure also relates to all possible combinations of the features mentioned herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the following drawings:

[0057] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a battery device and a locking system according to some embodiments;

[0058] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a lockable box according to some embodiments;

[0059] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a part of a lockable box with a cable and a cable lock according to some embodiments;

[0060] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a battery module arranged with a back plate according to some embodiments;

[0061] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a back plate according to some embodiments;

[0062] Figure 6 is a schematic view of a back plate with a U-shaped module cable guide according to some embodiments;

[0063] Figure 7 is a schematic view of a fastening plate engaging with a back plate arranged on a battery module according to some embodiments;

[0064] Figure 8 is a schematic view of a battery device including a plurality of battery modules arranged in a rack according to some embodiments; and

[0065] Figure 9 is a schematic view of a battery device including a safety cabinet according to some embodiments.

[0066] As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the sizes of elements and regions may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and are thus provided to illustrate the general structure of the embodiments. Detailed Description

[0067] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the presently preferred embodiments are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0068] Hereinafter, the same numerals refer to features that may have corresponding or equivalent effects or purposes. Reference numerals are composed of a first digit indicating the figure in which the feature is first illustrated and subsequent feature numbers. For example, the battery module illustrated in Figure 1 has a reference numeral 102, while the cable first illustrated in Figure 3 has a reference numeral 330. Specific examples or versions of features may be indicated by suffixes, such as a first battery module 102a and an intermediate battery module 102b.

[0069] Referring to Figure 1 , a battery device 100 and a locking system 110 according to some embodiments will be described.

[0070] The battery device 100 includes a plurality of battery modules 102 arranged in a stack 104. The stack 104 has a first end A, a second end B, a front side C, and a second side D. In the present example, the first end A is the top, the second end B is the bottom, and the second side D is the rear of the stack 104. In Figure 1 , three battery modules are specifically identified. A first battery module 102a is arranged at the top (first end A) of the stack 104, a second battery module 102c is arranged at the bottom (second end B) of the stack 104, and an intermediate module 102b is arranged in the stack 104, between the first module 102a and the second battery module 102c.

[0071] The battery device 100 further includes a locking system 110. In Figure 1 , the locking system 110 is arranged and fastened to the battery stack 104 such that the battery modules 102 are locked together.

[0072] The locking system 110 includes a lockable box 112 disposed at the top (at the first end A) of the battery stack 104. The lockable box 112 can be fastened to the first battery module 102a. The lockable box has a top plate 118 which may include a hardened steel plate. The locking system 110 further includes a cable track 120 which includes a plurality of cable guides 114, 116, 122 through which a cable ( Figure 1 not depicted) is inserted / guided / pushed. The cable track 120 starts and ends inside the lockable box 112 such that the end portions of the cable can be locked together inside the lockable box 112.

[0073] At least one module cable guide 122 is attached to each module 102 in the battery stack 104. When the cable extends through the cable track 120 and its ends are locked together, the cable connects the modules 102 to each other. Since the modules are typically heavy, it is difficult to move the entire stack at once. Meanwhile, a person holding the correct key can easily open the lockable box 112 and unlock the cable ends to remove the wire (cable) and remove / replace one or more modules 102.

[0074] Figure 2 and Figure 3 An example of the interior of the lockable box 112 is illustrated. Reference will now be made to Figures 1 to 3 .

[0075] The cable 330 can be inserted into the outlet cable guide 114, starting inside the lockable box 112, and exiting through the second side D (back side) of the lockable box 112. The cable can be further guided by the cable guides 122, 122a-c along each module 102 and returned to the lockable box 112 via the inlet cable guide 116. Inside the lockable box 112, the end portions of the cable 330 can be locked together using a cable lock 332.

[0076] The lockable box 112 may include an opening 226. The shape and size of the opening 226 can be configured such that the cable 330 can be inserted into the cable track 120 through the opening 226 and the end portions of the cable can be locked together. As Figure 2 magnified and shown, a removable locking unit 228 can be configured to be inserted into the opening 226. The removable locking unit 228 can be locked in place to prevent access to the interior of the lockable box 112. As an alternative to the opening 226 and the removable locking unit 228, the lockable box 112 can include a lockable hatch or door.

[0077] Figure 4 The battery module 102 is illustrated as viewed from the back, to which a back plate 140 is attached. Figure 5 andFigure 6 Illustrations of examples of backplanes 540, 640 are now provided. Reference will now be made to Figure 1 and Figures 4 to 6 .

[0078] The cable track 120 includes an exit cable guide 114, an inlet cable guide 116, and a plurality of module cable guides 122. Each of the module cable guides 122 is attached to the second side D of the battery module 102 (i.e., Figure 1 the back side in). The module cable guides 122 of adjacent battery modules 102 are aligned to form the cable track 120. The module cable guides 122 are arranged and adapted to receive a cable from the cable guide 122 of an adjacent battery module 102 (or the lockable box 112) at one end and provide the cable to the cable guide 122 of an adjacent battery module 102 (or the lockable box 112) at the other end. The length and / or positioning of the module cable guides 122 may be adapted to guide the cable into the next cable guide. For example, the space between adjacent module cable guides may be adapted based on the thickness / diameter of the cable. The connector 124 may be arranged to connect adjacent cable guides 122. The connector 124 may cover the gap between adjacent cable guides 122. The connector 124 may guide the cable into the next cable guide 122. Further, the connector 124 may cover the cable and shield the cable from interference.

[0079] The first battery module 102a and the intermediate battery module 102b are each provided with a first module cable guide 122a and a second module cable guide 122b. The first (module) cable guide 122a of the first battery module 102a receives a cable from the exit cable guide 114 and provides the cable to the first cable guide 122a of the next battery module 102. Thus, a plurality of first cable guides 102a guide the cable in a (downward) direction away from the lockable box 112 along each of the plurality of battery modules 102. At the bottommost battery module 102n, a U-shaped cable guide 122c is attached. The U-shaped cable guide 122c receives the cable from the first cable guide 122a of the battery module 102 above the bottommost battery module 102n. The U-shaped cable guide 122c guides the cable to bend upward and provides the cable to the second (module) cable guide 122b of the battery module 102 above the bottommost battery module 102n. A plurality of second cable guides 102b guide the cable in an (upward) direction toward the lockable box 112 along each of the plurality of battery modules 102. The second cable guide 122b of the first battery module 102a finally provides the cable to the inlet cable guide 116.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the module cable guide 122 forms part of a plate, namely the backplates 140, 540, 640, which are configured to be attached to the second side of the battery module 102. For example, the backplates 140, 540, 640 may include holes 543 for, e.g., screwing the backplate 540 to the module. However, it should be understood that the module cable guide 122 can be fastened separately to the second side D of the battery module 102. Further, in other embodiments, the second side can be the transverse side of the stack 104. In such an embodiment, the plate can be configured to be attached to the corresponding transverse side of the battery module.

[0081] As Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 illustrated, the backplates 140, 540 may include extensions 142. The extensions 142 may be configured to extend behind adjacent battery modules 102 in the stack 104 or behind the lockable cassette 112, as Figure 1 illustrated. When the above battery module 102 is installed, the lower battery module 102 cannot be pulled out from the front side C. The extensions 142 may also include one or more holes 541. When the module 102 has been installed, the holes 541 can be used to attach the backplate 540 to a fixed object behind the module 12.

[0082] As Figure 6 illustrated, some backplates 640 may not include extensions 142. For some backplates 640, the connector 124 may be attached to the backplate 640 itself or form part of the backplate itself. In such an embodiment, the connector 124 can act as an extension 142 by extending behind adjacent battery modules 102, also as Figure 4 illustrated. On the other hand, Figure 5 illustrates a backplate 540 without a connector 124. Such an embodiment can be used with a connector 124 formed as a separate element.

[0083] Figure 7 is an illustration of the fastening plate 750 engaging with the backplate 140. The fastening plate 750 includes an opening 752. The fastening plate 750 can be placed on the battery module 102 such that the extension 142 extends through the opening 752 of the fastening plate 750. The fastening plate further includes holes 754, using which the fastening plate can be fastened to a fixed object behind the battery module 102. For example, the fixed object can be the wall of a safety cabinet 908, which will be described in further detail below.

[0084] Figure 8 Illustrated is a battery device in which a battery module stack 104 is arranged in a rack 806.

[0085] In Figure 8In this case, a plurality of battery modules 102 are arranged as a stack 104 in a rack 806. The battery modules 102 can be inserted from the front C of the rack 806. As described above with reference to the foregoing embodiments, the lockable box 112 is on top of the rack. The cable track 120 is located at the back of the stack 104, as described above with reference to Figure 1 as described.

[0086] When the battery modules 102 are arranged in the stack 104, the lockable box 112 can be opened, and the cable 330 (illustrated in Figure 3 ) is inserted into the cable track 120. After the ends of the cable 330 are locked together and the battery modules 102 are fixed to each other, the lockable box 112 can be locked. Then, the cable 330 can be covered by the lockable box 112 and the cable track 120, which can prevent the cable 330 from being interfered with. If the battery rack 806 is arranged, for example, with its back close to the wall, the cable track 120 arranged at the back of the stack 104 can further impede access to the cable.

[0087] In Figure 8 , the height of the top plate 818 of the lockable box 112 has been adapted to the available space above the battery stack 104 inside the rack 806. Thus, the top plate 818 can further restrict access to the cable 330 and the cable track 120 above and behind the battery stack 104.

[0088] If the battery module 102 is equipped with a back plate 140 having an extension 142 configured to extend behind the above-mentioned module, such as in Figure 1 and Figure 4 , then the battery module 102 can be inserted into the rack 806 starting from the bottom B and moving upward. When removing the battery module 102, the module 102 is taken out (disassembled) starting from the top down.

[0089] Figure 9 An illustration shows a battery device in which a battery module stack 104 is arranged in a rack 806 inside a safety cabinet 908.

[0090] The safety cabinet 908 can have thick walls and a lockable door (not depicted) to restrict unauthorized access to the battery modules 102.

[0091] Since the cable 330 is arranged at the back of the stack 104, an unauthorized person who wants to remove the module 102 must attack or break into the cabinet 908 from two directions: accessing the cable 330 from the back and removing the module 102 from the front. Even if an attempt is made to access the back of the battery stack 104, the cable track and the lock box can cover the cable to further prevent access to the cable.

[0092] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is in no way limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, within the scope of the appended claims, many modifications and variations are possible.

[0093] Although the features and elements have been described above in specific combinations, each feature or element can be used separately without the other features and elements, or in various combinations with or without other features and elements.

[0094] In addition, when practicing the claimed invention in light of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain features are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A locking system (110) for a battery device, the battery device comprising at least one battery module (102) arranged in a battery stack (104), the battery stack having a first end (A), a second end (B), a front side (C) and a second side (D), the locking system comprising: A lockable box (112) configured to be attached at a first end of the battery stack, the lockable box including an outlet cable guide (114) and an inlet cable guide (116); A cable track (120) including the outlet cable guide, the inlet cable guide, and at least one module cable guide (122) configured to be attached to each of the at least one battery module at a second side of the battery stack, wherein a U-shaped module cable guide (122c) is configured to be attached to a battery module (102c) at a second end of the battery stack, the cable track starting and ending in the lockable box; A cable (330) configured to be inserted into the lockable box and pass through the cable track such that first and second ends of the cable are located inside the lockable box; And A cable lock (332) configured to lock the first and second ends of the cable together inside the lockable box.

2. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The battery stack includes a battery module (102c) at a second end of the battery stack and at least one intermediate battery module (102b) disposed between the lockable box and the battery module at the second end, and For each intermediate battery module, the cable track includes a first module cable guide (122a) and a second module cable guide (122b) configured to be attached to the intermediate battery module at a second side of the battery stack.

3. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cable track further includes at least one connector (124) configured to connect two adjacent cable guides to form a continuous cable track.

4. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second side is a back side.

5. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each of the at least one module cable guide forms part of a plate (140) configured to be attached to a battery module at a second side of the battery stack.

6. The locking system according to claim 5, wherein, The plate is a back plate including an extension (142) configured to extend behind adjacent battery modules.

7. The locking system according to any one of claims 5 to 6, further comprising at least one fastening plate (750), the at least one fastening plate being configured to engage with a plate and fasten to a fixed object beside the battery stack.

8. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one side of the lockable box includes a hardened steel plate (118).

9. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The lockable box further includes: An opening (226) in a wall of the lockable box configured to accommodate insertion of the cable into the cable track and locking of the first and second ends of the cable together; and A removable locking unit (228) configured to close the opening and seal the opening in a locked state.

10. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The lockable box is configured to be disposed on top of the battery stack.

11. The locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The maximum distance between adjacent cable guides is less than one half of the cable width / diameter.

12. A battery device (100), the battery device comprising: At least one battery module arranged as a stack having a first end and a second end, a front side and a second side; And A locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The battery device according to claim 12, wherein, The at least one battery module is disposed in a rack (806).

14. The battery device according to any one of claims 12 to 13, further comprising a safety cabinet (908), wherein the battery stack and the locking system are arranged in the safety cabinet.

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